"LS15 4DA - We don't live here anymore!"

says NfCG Secretary, Stella Walsh

Some members may have felt loss in the closure of the office in Newcastle and maybe feel remote from the Federation. I thought it might be useful to write about my role as Secretary and what the office currently does.

The office consists of our spare room, the dedicated telephone, fax line, filing cabinet, the computer, recently upgraded with a modem so I can send information via e-mail, and receive information in the same manner - and myself, working on a voluntary, part time, basis.

I check the telephone/fax machine before I go to work, some people spend the wee small hours faxing. The telephone is always left in answering machine mode as I am frequently out and about, lecturing (after all that is my job!) or appearing on TV or Radio for NfCG.

Please leave all your messages or send a fax because I will get back to you. If I am not the right person, I will let somebody else in the Federation know that information is required. I will try and deal with anything really urgent as soon as possible. Messages from members are usually dealt with in the evening, after work. All messages are usually dealt with within 48 hours.

The mail is checked in the morning over breakfast, and those letters that can be dealt with quickly are done there and then. Other items have to wait, sometimes until the weekend. There are frequently up to ten letters a day.

On return from work, I check the fax and telephone messages again, the range is really interesting. Some days there may be up to ten messages. It is always a relief when I come in to find that there is no light flashing to indicate messages waiting. I can have a cup of tea straight away [ I have a cup of tea, then attend to the messages - Editor].

The messages vary; from Bob Gale with support and helpful messages, to wanting to know where I am up to with agenda's for meetings, companies wanting information about the Federation, organisations asking me to organise meetings with Bob, numerous researchers from the BBC, ITV, Radio, who are frequently too lazy to do their own research, students with enquires, questionnaires from other groups doing research on consumer organisations plus queries from individual members and Groups.

This week The Sun newspaper rang for a comment on the consumer view of the strong pound and the lack of apparent impact in reduced prices in the high street. To be honest, unless we have a policy or a Network Co-ordinator to pass people on to, I ad-lib an intelligent comment, always sensible and never lies!! I try hardest if it means we can get a quote in the paper referenced to the Federation. This week the BBC requested the presence of a representative on a programme, details of the codex meetings came in, OFFER sent information about forthcoming meetings as did the Financial Services Authority. FSA also sent thanks to the Federation for their contributions to consumer education work.

In addition to all the above I service the Management Team and Executive Committee. This requires room bookings, preparation of agendas and recording and writing the minutes. Dick Mackie provides support by doing the printing and provides mailing labels. There have been a few teething problems with communications in this area and internal communications are under review.

Maybe I took too much on, as I have also been looking after the Legislation and Consumer Affairs Committee and I am Food Network Co-ordinator. The former responsibility ends soon, and I am hoping that life will be a bit less hectic when this happens.

The Federation has in fact invaded this little house. Recently when my husband was hiring tools and he gave the post code, our address did not come up, but the Federation did. We don't live here any more!

I shall take John Brown's advice and have a cup of tea before dealing with my messages in future, so please do not hesitate if there is anything you want to ask me or make comments about, please do get in touch. I shall be refreshed and able to answer. I have managed to talk to some members and hope to speak to many more, particularly at the AGM.

Busy is not a word I frequently use, it underestimates how I juggle my time. In the meantime, I am off to piano practice, my latest hobby, along with aqua aerobics, line dancing and feeding the family. My only concession is - I never iron clothes, or - clean the house!

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